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turkey meatballs in cranberry tomato sauce

It's All About the Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Michele Pesula Kuegler
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 20 meatballs

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/2 cups cranberries*
  • 1/2 cup water*
  • 1/4 cup sugar*
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Hot sauce optional
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • To make the sauce:
  • Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan over high heat.
  • Stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add cranberries; stirring until it returns to boiling.
  • Reduce heat to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until cranberries begin to burst, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat to cool.
  • Using an immersion blender, purée until the sauce is mainly smooth.
  • Add tomato paste, chili powder, and salt, stirring to combine over low heat.
  • If desired, add hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Remove from heat while waiting for meatballs.
  • To make the meatballs:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Combine turkey, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  • Stir or mix with your hands until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Shape mixture into walnut-sized balls, and place on a greased, rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Add cooked meatballs to sauce, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

*You can replace the homemade cranberry sauce with 1 cup prepared cranberry sauce.
Keyword cranberry sauce, meatballs